Victorian organic products directory 2009 - the Organic Federation of ...

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The integrity of Australia’s organic
certification system
With increased demand for certified organic and biodynamic produce in Australia and the
world, a system of inspection and certification for organic and biodynamic produce was
created in the early 1990s with an aim to ensure the integrity of production, certification,
identification and labelling of this produce.
This system, administered by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), is a co-regulatory system
primarily based on ISO 65/EN 45011 certification standards and provides a cost-effective program that is underpinned
by government regulations.
Under this co-regulatory system, AQIS approved certifying organisations provide the essential certification
and inspection services for organic farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers and exporters and AQIS performs an
audit-verification role of these approved certifying organisations. Where non-compliance to standards and regulations
is evident, the application of sanctions by an approved certifying organisation or AQIS is an essential component of this
co-regulatory system.
This system is also consistent with other international regulatory programs and has contributed to the ability to access
new overseas markets such as Japan, Switzerland and Europe for Australian certified produce. To ensure this market
access is maintained, approved certifying organisations are authorised to issue documentation on behalf of AQIS for
export consignments of organic or biodynamic-labelled produce.
Acknowledgement
Regional Development Victoria acknowledges the contribution of the Organic Federation of Australia which kindly
assisted in the preparation of the previous edition of this directory upon which this directory has been based.
OFA
ORGANIC FEDERATION
OF AUSTRALIA
Organic Federation of Australia
PO Box 369
Bellingen NSW 2454
Website: www.ofa.org.au
Email: info@ofa.org.au
Victorian organic products directory 2009